Publication Date: July 16, 2024
Georgie Blalock, the acclaimed author of The Other Windsor Girl, delivers an enchantingly reimagined fictional portrait of Wallis Simpson through the lens of her cousin who is engaged to spy on the Duchess of Windsor for her alleged Nazi sympathies and finds much more than she bargained for!
American Amelia Montague defied her family five years ago to marry the man she loved, but that decision cost her everything. Disowned by her family, and left a penniless widow after her husband’s death, Amelia becomes her cousin Wallis Simpson’s private secretary in France. With no other prospects available, Amelia has no choice but to succeed, and under their Aunt Bessie’s direction, hopes to have a positive influence on Wallis and the Duke of Windsor.
During the next two years, Amelia realizes that not everything with the Windsors is glittering happiness. Beneath the façade of the besotted couple simmers Wallis’s rage at her stunted ambition, and the couple soon reveal themselves to be self-centered Nazi supporters who pursue their own interests at any cost.
When the Germans invade France, and the Windsors leave Amelia to escape the Gestapo on her own, Amelia finds herself in position to work for the most unlikely of employers: MI5 and the FBI. Convinced to work undercover, Amelia joins the Windsors in Nassau and soon realizes that Wallis’s treachery extends far deeper than the US and British government even knows…
Richly imaginative, Georgie Blalock’s novel stuns as it explores two women, opposites in every way, and the choices they make to survive both war and each other. . .
The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock is an immersive story torn from the very pages of history. The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, while living the lifestyle of surrogate royals, believe the British monarchy has wronged them. Even though the Duke has willfully abdicated the throne in lieu of marrying Wallis Simpson, they both believe they are entitled to the treatment and lifestyle of royalty. Doggedly pursuing the title of “Her Royal Highness” for Wallis is one of the Duke’s main objectives.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Wallis Simpson’s cousin, Amelia Montague, who has become Wallis’ private secretary. Amelia anticipates this new chapter in her life as the opportunity to leave old heartaches and troubles behind and assume a new life as private secretary to her glamorous cousin, completely unaware of what this decision portends.
The Duke and Wallis Simpson are married in a subdued ceremony at an estate outside of Paris, but unfortunately, happily ever after doesn’t come for the newlyweds.
Dogged by what they perceive as mistreatment by the British monarchy, their new life together is less than idyllic until they are personally invited to Germany by Herr Adolf Hitler for a state visit. Cheering crowds, luxurious accommodations, and treatment as royals are lavished onto the couple, greedy for just such adulations. Amelia is skeptical of the treatment. Fearful of what the visit means, Amelia sees warning signs where the Duke and Wallis bask in the attention, oblivious to the undertones surrounding them.
As war in Europe becomes a reality, the Duke and Wallis seemingly remain oblivious to the danger until they are forcibly ousted, and their safety becomes tenuous. Amelia senses something is not quite right and ultimately finds herself in peril at Wallis’ whim. Realizing the high stakes, Amelia willingly places herself in danger to stop the plot, which she’s come to realize is Wallis’ and the Duke’s ultimate goal.
Splendidly written and completely engrossing, Georgie Blalock’s well-spun tale, The Windsor Conspiracy, is a fascinating read. While clues to the conspiracy underway are plentifully sprinkled throughout, the reader, simultaneously alongside Amelia, comes to realize its full extent as it has been gaining momentum right up until the heart-pounding end.
History and the realistic plot that unfolds so well in The Windsor Conspiracy intertwine seamlessly, resulting in a breathless tale that leaves you pondering what could have been.
Georgie Blalock is a history lover and movie buff who loves combining her different passions through historical fiction, and a healthy dose of period piece films. When not writing, she can be found prowling the nonfiction history section of the library or the British film listings on Netflix or in the dojo training for her next black belt rank. Her novels include The Other Windsor Girl, The Last Debutantes, and An Indiscreet Princess.
